It isn’t too often that you stumble across an up-and-coming artist with so many familiar names surrounding them, but L.A. songwriter Moses Sumney is a greenhorn who has caught the attention of some industry veterans. Recording his first EP with help from TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek, currently touring with Sufjan Stevens, and now having released “Seeds,” mixed by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, Sumney has been spoiled by his environment, but for good reason.
The familiarity in “Seeds” makes it painfully obvious how Sumney ended up opening for Sufjan. His voice floats across a single acoustic lick in a chilling falsetto. It’s simple, and feels muffled in a somber and heavy atmosphere, but simultaneously exerts such beauty from Sumney’s angelic woes. It’s easy to hear the likes of Stevens and Grizzly Bear in “Seeds,” with a soulful touch that comes off eerie at first, slowly unveiling its delicate nature.
“Seeds” is the first single off Sumney’s upcoming debut, garnering enthusiasm and curiosity for more of the artist’s haunting melodies. The big-time L.A. setting has definitely put some unwanted pressure on Sumney, who claims to still be looking for himself musically, but then again how many artists (new or old) can say they are making exactly what they want to make? If “Seeds” is any indication of the direction Sumney plans on exploring, there is much to be excited for as we await his next release.